Khula Unqobe Creative Arts (KUCA), an organisation focused on arts in local communities, hosted its 2025 year-end function at the in Jabulani on November 1.

KUCA was established in Fochville Kokosi in 2007 by Khanyisile Masongwa, who, like many children, experienced low self-esteem as a teenager and was able to express herself through drama and art.

The platform expanded to Soweto and gives youngsters a chance to hone their skills and talents in the arts field.

Through Masongwa’s classes, the children were confident to perform different items which they are interested in, like drama, monologues, dance and sign language.

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“Success begins by acknowledging your strengths, nurturing them, and sharing your gifts with others.

“Not every child will have the financial means to attend university, but every child has a God- given gift and purpose- and that is enough to start dreaming big.

“The organisation is dedicated to nurturing children’s confidence and developing their soft skills through creative arts,” said Masongwa.

Bernett Mulungo, Founder of JSM Orchestra, who gave out renditions of well-known musical items, shared that they were honoured for the invite and the chance to perform at the event that showcases the talent the youth in our communities have.

Mulungo said: “It is important that we also incorporate arts and not only academics because the different forms of art are a way for the children to express themselves and also sharpen their skills and talents.’’.

Volunteer from Momentum, Kefiloe Kholo, shared that the outreach KUCA does, especially in communities, is phenomenal.

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“As a mom, I have realised that creativity and art set the tone for confidence, creativity is the foundation that we often overlook, and it is where one can spread their wings.

“Academics are a great thing, but such organisations also include pillars such as public speaking, which ignites confidence in speaking in large crowds and articulation, which are necessities,” said Kholo.

Early Childhood Developments also participated in the event, showcasing performances like dance, poetry and sign language. This also instils that this starts at a young age.

Parent of a participant who is a public speaker, Musetsho Mitaaifani, told Urban News that she is proud to see her child light up on stage and can only imagine how other parents are feeling. Sharing that what KUCA is doing is a wonderful thing, and can only be appreciative of all the facilitators.